Smart Packaging for Beverage

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic packaging ( 1, 2, 3, 4 ) for beverage comprising at least one sensory perceptible output, said sensory perceptible output being any type of device integrated in the packaging enabling a user or consumer to sense any sensory perceptible status change of the packaging or the beverage, wherein a structural component of the packaging forms a component of the at least one sensory perceptible output, said structural component being a component or material layer offering a contribution to enable the packaging to contain a beverage or to be transported. In addition, the present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a corresponding packaging.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to smart packaging, in particular tointegrated smart packaging for beverage, especially suitable forcarbonated beverage, in particular beer-integrated smart packaging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, smart packaging incorporates features that indicate orcommunicate product status or changes, environmental status or changes,or other information. It is a dynamic and preferably active extension ofthe static and passive communication function of traditional packaging,and communicates information to the consumer based on its ability tosense, detect, or record external or internal changes in the product'senvironment.

State of the art smart packaging systems provide health and safety ofthe product for the consumer and also monitor the condition of packedbeverages to give information about shelf life and regarding the qualityof the beverage during transport and storage. In this techniqueindicators and sensors are used instead of time consuming, expensivequality measurements for improving the shelf life and providing beveragesafety. In smart packaging system indicators give information aboutproduct quality by surrounding conditions and head space gases ofpackagings, also indicators can be attached to the packaging surface orintegrate to packagings which are improved for determining metaboliteresidue formed during storage. Temperature, microbial spoilage,packaging integrity, physical shock, freshness of the packed product canbe controlled.

An example thereof is US2015307245 directed to a wine capsule that isconfigured to be attached to a beverage container and to provide a userwith information relating to the temperature history of the beverage.The data logger includes at least one energy storage component (e.g.,one or more capacitors), an energy harvester, a temperature sensor, atleast one processor, at least one first memory, and at least onewireless communicator. The energy harvester harvests ambientelectromagnetic energy. The wireless communicator is configured totransmit the stored information to a personal computer, a smartphone ortablet, or a dedicated reader device which is configured to communicatewith and receive information from the wireless communicator.

A obvious drawback of the system of US2015307245 is clearly that suchwine capsule is not suitable for being combined with other types ofbeverage packaging than bottles. In addition, as soon as the winecapsule is removed from the bottle, the bottle itself becomes a normal“stupid” bottle.

A more important general drawback however is that, although the abovesystem covers the basic needs of beverage containment and qualitycontrol, it does not address the clear consumers' demand for packagingthat is more advanced with respect to consumer interaction andcreativity.

Thanks to the coming of inexpensive electronics and printing technologyit recently became possible to create smart packaging that permitamongst others tracking of purchases, inventory control, automaticre-ordering, and assessment of tampering, packaging breeching etc. Inaddition, smart packaging containing lights, sound production, differenttypes of sensors and corresponding sensory inputs, smart electronics,and interaction between humans, smart devices, vending machines, coupledwith wireless communication, results in enhanced and personalizedexperience for the consumer. Also point of purchase personalizedadvertising, inducements, prizes, and a game-like environment canintegrate at various psychological levels to positively reinforce brandloyalty and promote purchases.

In the above context, the smart packaging described in WO2015147995contains electronics that can enable a user/purchaser to interact withthe packaging and cause actions to happen either on the packaging itselfor on a smart device like a smart phone or computer or a vendingmachine, or communicate or cause communication with a website where adata base might reside. For instance, a soda bottle or can or bag ofchips can have the capability of being touched to a smart phone, havinga code read, and the smart phone can take one or more actions based onthe type of product within its proximity.

The smart packaging includes at least one battery and/or energy storageelement and/or energy receiving element; an element configured to storeinformation; an element configured to sense being touched; an elementconfigured to display information and/or an element configured togenerate light; an element configured to receive and/or transmitinformation; and circuitry electrically one or more elements of thepackaging to one another.

An aspect that has been neglected in smart packaging as described inWO2015147995, is to integrate smart packaging technology within theexisting reality of today including today's industrial packagingprocessing and their application, i.e. the aspect of integratingintelligent technologies up to the level of industrial processing of forexample a beverage can, and the product specifications, and rawmaterials involved has been neglected. Smart packaging has always beendescribed without efficient implementation of its manufacturing inindustrial processing been taken in account.

In addition, WO2015147995 does not address the functionalitiesspecifically associated and required with the content of said packaging,i.e. carbonated beverages, in particular beer. As an example, anunderlying objective is to provide for a smart packaging which cancommunicate time and temperature history of the carbonated beverage suchas beer to ensure optimum maturation, proper aging, and to avoid misuseor mishandling. Another example of an underlying objective is to providefor a smart packaging which communicates the state of beverages withinthe packaging, either visually, either by illumination, either by sound,or haptic experiences, i.e. in case of carbonated beverages, such asbeer, reaching ideal consumption temperature vs beverage type iscommunicated.

Further, smart packaging is a compelling proposition made increasinglyrelevant by the relentless and fast pace at which digital technologiesintegrate consumers' lives, and the proliferation of the Internet ofThings (IoT). An extensive list of applications in this sense, enabledby the smart packaging in accordance with the present invention will beprovided in below description.

Another very important objective of smart packaging according to thepresent invention is to reduce the production cost, even to the pointwhere it will be cost-effective to put intelligent features andcommunication means on an inexpensive product, and in particular ondisposable products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a smart metal, glass, paper-based,wood-based, or plastic packaging for beverage comprising at least onesensory perceptible output, said sensory perceptible output being anytype of device integrated in the packaging enabling a user or consumerto sense any sensory perceptible status change of the packaging or thebeverage,

-   -   characterized in that a structural component of the packaging        forms a component of the at least one sensory perceptible        output, said structural component being a component or material        layer offering a contribution to enable the packaging to contain        a beverage or to be transported.

In addition, the present invention is directed to a method formanufacturing a smart packaging for a beverage is provided comprisingthe steps of manufacturing a packaging for a beverage and constitutingat least one sensory perceptible output on or in the packaging, saidsensory perceptible output being any type of device integrated in thepackaging enabling a user or consumer to sense any sensory perceptiblestatus change of the packaging or the beverage, wherein a structuralcomponent of the packaging is taken for constituting a component of theat least one sensory perceptible output, said structural component beinga component or material layer offering a contribution to enable thepackaging to contain a beverage or to be transported.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a smart metal beverage can includinga visual output in accordance with the present invention. Details areoutlined in example 1.

FIG. 2 illustrated an embodiment of a smart glass or plastic bottleincluding a visual output in accordance with the present invention.Details are outlined in example 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a smart metal beverage can includinga haptic output in accordance with the present invention. Details areoutlined in example 3.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a fiberboard multipack including avisual output in accordance with the present invention. Details areoutlined in example 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As the world is moving increasingly into internet-of-things, smartpackaging in accordance with the present invention offers an extensiverange of intelligent functionalities in packaging for beverages,integrated up to the level of industrial processing, which can be usedfor consumer engagement and brand enhancement. It can amongst othersalso be used for proof of product authenticity and origin, tamperevidence and even further to source and delivery tracking and supplychain optimization.

In addition, smart packaging according to the present invention maydrive down the cost of smart packaging to produce a smart and connectedproduct to the point where it will be cost-effective to put intelligentfeatures and communication means on an inexpensive product.

Therefore, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides a smartmetal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic packaging for beveragecomprising at least one sensory perceptible output,

-   -   characterized in that a structural component of the packaging        forms a component of the at least one sensory perceptible        output.

The smart packaging may be primary of secondary.

A structural component of a smart primary packaging for beverage isunderstood as a material component which is necessary to the packagingfor functioning as a beverage container, i.e. for enabling the packagingto contain a beverage or to be transported, more specifically forfunctioning as a carbonated beverage container, and in particular forfunctioning as a beer container.

A structural component of a smart secondary packaging for beverage isunderstood as a material component which is necessary to the packagingfor holding primary packaging for beverage.

A structural component of a smart secondary packaging for beverage isunderstood as being a component or material layer offering acontribution to enable the packaging to contain a beverage or to betransported. A component or material layer which does not offer anycontribution to enable the packaging to contain a beverage or to betransported, and for example merely serves as a decorative layer ordecorative layer system, such as ink or varnish, is not understood as astructural component.

Contradictory to a packaging with a printed display wherein thepackaging is just a substrate for printing on and wherein the outersurface of the packaging as is with regards to constituting the displayis only required to be suitable for printing the necessary layers upon,in the present invention a structural component of the packaging is anessential component of the actual sensory perceptible output and it musthave the necessary material characteristics required for properfunctioning of the sensory perceptible output. A component or materiallayer which does not offer any contribution to the proper functioning ofthe output, and for example merely serves as a substrate for fixing orprinting the output on, is not understood as an essential component ofthe output. Another example is US2012/0160725 where testing materialchanging color upon detecting contamination in the beverage is the innersurface of the beverage container's base and/or rim and/or sidewall, andwherein the base and/or rim and/or sidewall merely serves as a substratefor the testing material.

In other words, the structural component is a component which isessential for the proper functioning of the sensory perceptible outputand which is inherently already present in the packaging as is beforethe output is fully constituted thereon. Consequently, it would not bepossible to integrate at least partially the process of constituting thesensory perceptible output in the manufacturing of a packaging whichmisses that specific component (specific material layer) because it isnecessary for the functioning of the sensory perceptible output. Boththe smart packaging and the sensory perceptible output have a structuralcomponent in common, i.e. at least one necessary material layer includedin the structure of the packaging, or in the structure of a part of thepackaging, and not serving merely is a decorative layer serves as anecessary component of the sensory perceptible output.

Consequently, the manufacturing of the sensory perceptible output may beat least partially integrated in the manufacturing of the smartpackaging, resulting in reduced material cost, reduced production time,and in general reduced production cost, even to the point where it willbe cost-effective to put intelligent features and communication means onan inexpensive product, and in particular on disposable products.

In general, the present invention enables intelligent technologies to beintegrated up to the level of and into industrial mass production ofbeverage containers.

In the context of the present invention, a sensory perceptible outputmay be constituted essentially by an active layer which must be at leastpartially activated in order to generate a sensory perceptible output.Depending on the type of active layer, it may be activated andcontrolled by several types of activation triggers, such as a voltagedifference over the active layer, or by voltage differences over partsof the active layer, by an electromagnetic field, or by a magneticfield. Further also (locally applied) temperature changes, (locallyapplied) pressure variation or (locally applied) strain variation maytrigger activation.

In order to generate a voltage difference over the active layer, it maybe covered by at least one adjacent electrically conductive layer (e.g.an electrode, or it may be positioned in between adjacent electricallyconductive layers, namely an electrically conductive bottom layer (alsocalled the bottom electrode) and an electrically conductive top layer(also called the top electrode).

In case of activation by a magnetic field, the active layer may beactivated by one or more adjacent electrically conductive layers (insome cases separated from the active layer by insulators). On top of anelectrically conductive top layer, and encapsulation layer may beapplied to protect the underlying layers. Further, additional components(i.e. layers) may be present such as a polarizer, a mirror, a polarizedlight emitter, etc. for example in case of a liquid crystal display.

A temperature change may be applied using resistive conducting tracksacting a heating elements.

Besides an electric field, a magnetic, field, an electromagnetic field,a temperature variation, pressure variation, or strain variation beinggenerated by means internal to the smart packaging, each type ofactivation trigger may also be generated by means partially, orcompletely external to the smart packaging, for example generation meansprovided at the point-of-sale such as an electromagnetic field generatorin the shelf of a store or in the cash register.

The active layer may be also externally activated by another packaging.The latter may be of any type of (smart) primary or secondary packaginghaving appropriate means to activate an active layer of a sensoryperceptible output constituted in or on another primary or secondarypackaging. As an example, an electromagnetic field generated by asecondary packaging may activate an output on a corresponding primarypackaging, or vice versa.

In the context of the present invention, a sensory perceptible outputmay be any type of device integrated in the packaging enabling a user orconsumer to sense any sensory perceptible status change of the packagingor the beverage. Such output may be visual output, an audio output, ahaptic output, or any other output sensible by touch, taste, or smell.

More specifically, a visual output may be any device integrated in thepackaging enabling an area of the container to emit light, or to changeits absorption or transmission of specific wavelengths of light (e.g.colour change), under electrical, electromagnetic, or magnetic control,or triggered by pressure, strain, or temperature variation. Emitting,absorbing, or transmitting light may include showing any kind of coloursignal, or presenting a graphic, a text, a logo, a video, including abrand, a label, an interactive label etc., or projecting a graphic,text, logo, etc. onto an object present in the environment.

A visual output may be for example any type of display such as amongstothers Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), Electronic Paper Displays (EPD),rigid or flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays,electrochromic displays, electroluminescent displays, electrophoreticdispays, OLED light sources, LED light sources, or any combinationthereof, or any type of projector or beamer with suitable size.

A haptic output may be any device integrated in the packaging enablingat least part of the packaging to apply forces, vibrations, or motions,under electrical control, in a way that is felt by a user holding ortouching the container, or in a way that the forces, vibration ormotions may be transferred to other objects, for example to otherbottles in the packaging or on the shelf. Such device may use forexample piezoelectric materials.

An audio output may by any device integrated in the packaging enablingan area of the packaging to vibrate for transmitting an audio signalinto the air, or for transducing an audio signal to other objectssurrounding the packaging and allowing transmitting the audio signal into the air. The frequency range of vibrations may include that of humanhearing, as well as ultrasonic and sub-sonic frequencies. An example ofan audio output may be electrostatic speakers or thin-film flexiblespeakers.

Other sensory perceptible outputs may be any type devices integrated inthe packaging enabling a user or consumer to sense any change of surfacestate of the packaging (e.g. change of roughness, static electricity),to sense a smell which is released upon activation, to sense a tastewhich is released upon activation, etc.

In embodiment in accordance with the present invention, in order togenerate a voltage difference, an electromagnetic field, or a magneticfield, or a temperature, pressure, or strain variation over the activelayer, the smart packaging may comprise a power supply supplying powerobtained from a source present on or in the smart packaging, or from asource external to the smart packaging via an energy harvesting elementon or in the smart packaging. Types of power sources may be for examplebatteries, (super)capacitors. Types of energy harvesting elements may beantennas, kinetic or thermoelectric generators, photovoltaics (e.g.organic photovoltaics (OPV), etc.

In some embodiments, the active layer may be activated by activationtriggers generated external to the smart packaging in which case thepackaging does not require to have a power supply for powering the atleast one sensory perceptible output.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a smartpackaging may additionally comprise any type of supporting electronicsystems, which may include digital logic, processing units, memory, gatearrays including programmable gate arrays, passive components, such asresistors, capacitors, inductors, analogue instrumentation, powercontrol circuits, display driver circuits, or any combination thereof.These supporting electronic systems may be built from discretecomponents attached to the smart packaging substrate, connected byconductive tracks on the substrate, and/or components printed upon thesubstrate.

More specifically, a smart packaging a smartin accordance with thepresent invention may comprise a sensory perceptible output, wherein astructural component, or a plurality of structural compounds of thepackaging forms a component or a plurality of components of the at leastone sensory perceptible output, and additionally a combination of avariable number of components of the following functional areas:

-   -   a sensor: in a smart packaging according to the present        invention, any type of sensor suitable for being integrated in        smart packaging may be used, being discrete sensor components,        or printable sensors, and being able to measure or indicate        amongst others light, color, force or strain, proximity, liquid        level, flow, gas presence, humidity, viscosity, temperature,        pressure, chemical contamination, position and geo-location,        acceleration, movement, touch, impact, biometric authentication,        etc. They also may capture information from or around the human        body (e.g. heart rate, breathing rate, physical activity, sleep        pattern, etc.). Also a camera may be present in or on the smart        packaging.    -   a processing unit: in a smart packaging according to the present        invention, any type of processing unit suitable for being        integrated in smart packaging may be used. Mainstream chip        developers, motivated by the growing IoT market, are launching        ultra-small ultra-low powered chips with integrated memory.        There are emerging technologies that allow processors to be        printed on thin film materials, like flexible polyamide,        polyester foils, etc.

Other systems, such as communications and memory, can also be printed tocreate specific solutions, known as system on a chip (SoC).

-   -   a communication unit: in a smart packaging according to the        present invention, any type of communication unit may be        implemented that is suitable for communicating via a        connectivity protocol standard or via a custom protocol. A        number different connectivity standards have been designed for        different data throughputs and transmission ranges. For each        embodiment of the present invention the most suitable standard        may be determined. Numerous communication means standards exist        today, the front runners in the smart phone dominated market are        Bluetooth and NFC, for localised communication. However, as more        devices are connected to the IoT, dedicated networks such as        SigFox could play an important part in the future by connecting        primary and secondary packaging to other connected devices and        objects anywhere in the world. Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave,        6LowPan, Thread, Wifi, Cellular, NFC, Sigfox, Neul, LoRaWAN,        Li-Fi.    -   a power source: any type of power source suitable for powering        an output and being integrated in a smart packaging may be used        such as for example discrete batteries, flexible batteries,        printed batteries, microbatteries, (super)capacitors, energy        harvesting elements such as be antennas, piezoelectric,        electrodynamic, or thermoelectric generators, photovoltaics        (e.g. organic photovoltaics (OPV), electromagnetic field energy        harvesting, etc.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may be directed toprimary packaging for beverages, such as a bottle made of glass, ormetal (eg. aluminum) or plastic, or a metal can, or metal keg, or woodenbottle or barrel. Such primary packaging may in particular be suitablefor carbonated beverages and preferably beer.

Other embodiments in accordance with the present invention may bedirected to secondary packaging such as a carton, a multipack, a tray, aHiCone, plastic ring carriers, plastic yokes, paperboard baskets,paperboard overwraps and cartons, corrugated fiberboard boxes, HDPEplastic handles, six pack rings, and shrink packs.

The structural component of the packaging forming a component of the atleast one sensory perceptible output may be amongst others: the glass ofglass beverage container, hot-end-coating layers (e.g. tin oxide, orother oxide, or other equivalent material applied e.g. by chemicalvapour deposition, applied e.g. to increase adherence of the cold endcoating), cold-end-coating layers (e.g. polyethylene way, or otherequivalent material, applied e.g. by spray coating, in order to e.g.make the surfaces more slippery as bottles pass down the line), theplastic of a plastic beverage container, the plastic of a plastic cap orlid, the metal of a metal beverage can including its body, lid, ringpull, or rivet, the metal of a keg including its valve and stem, metalof a metal cap or crown, the inner polymer coating of a metal beveragecontainer, spray coat epoxy (e.g. applied to the raw metal of a metalcan or bottle), the metal oxide layer (e.g. implemented by anodising ofmetal drinks can or bottle substrate), metallic layers (e.g. depositedby plating onto the metal substrate of a drinks can or bottle), polymerlayer (e.g. moulded into inside of crown or screw bottle top to formboth seal and corrosion protection), the fiberboard or corrugated boardof secondary packaging, or plastic parts of secondary packaging (e.g.rings to hold bottles together, or handles), the wood of wooden barrel,etc.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a smart metal, glass,paper-based, wood-based, or plastic packaging for beverage comprising atleast one sensory perceptible output, wherein a metal structuralcomponent of the smart packaging may form an electrically conductivelayer of the at least one sensory perceptible output, in particular thebottom or top electrode.

The metal structural component forming an electrically conductive layermay be a metal layer of a beverage bottle, can or keg, or the aluminumof a beverage bottle, can or keg, in particular the aluminum of the lid,the tab, the body of a beverage can, or a combination thereof.

The metal structural component forming an electrically conductive layermay also be the metal layer of a beverage keg, typically stainlesssteel, or of any other type of metal container.

The metal structural component forming an electrically conductive layermay also be a component of a paper-based, wood-based or plastic-basedsmart packaging. A plastic bottle may comprise for example a metal ringstructure in the body or the neck, or a corrugated board tray maycomprise a rigidity enhancing metal layer, or a carton packaging mayhave an integrated metallic (cfr. Tetrapak).

The metal structural component forming an electrically conductive layermay be the metal layer of a closure of a beverage bottle, such as forexample the tin plate of a glass bottle crown or the metal of the crownitself, or the aluminum layer of a Roll On Pilfer Proof cap (ROPP).

In an embodiment of the present invention, an electrically conductingstructural component of the smart packaging may form the ground plane ofthe at least one sensory perceptible output.

In addition, a metal structural component of the smart packaging mayform a mirror layer in case the visual output is a display typerequiring a mirror layer.

Further, a metal structural component of the smart packaging may form amechanically resonant component of an audio or haptic output. In orderto mechanically activate the mechanically resonant component, piezoelectric vibrating elements or electrostatic elements which deflect uponapplying an electric field, magnetic elements such as magnetic loudspeaker components, vibration motors, etc may be used. Mechanicalvibration may also be further transmitted to or via adjacent objectsexternal to the packaging itself, such as a table. Mechanical vibrationmay also by transmitted into the beverage contained in order to createan optical effect within the beverage (e.g. local bubbles)

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a metallicstructural component of the packaging may form an overlap with anothermetallic component or layer or structural component. Such overlappingmetallic layers could be used to form two electrically conducting layersof a sensory perceptible output between which an active layer could beplaced. Given the non-transparency of the metal conducting layers, theoutput created may be preferably an audio, or haptic output.

Examples of metallic overlaps may be:

-   -   The folded seam at the top of a beverage can overlaps 6 layers        of the two substrates.    -   Seams in a 3-piece can may provide overlap for multiple metal        substrate layers. A functional active layer could be added in        between    -   Overlap of a ring pull with the top of a can could form two        electrodes, with an active layer between the ring pull and can        top. The rivet may form electrical connection.    -   Overlap of aluminum bottle with screw top or crown top    -   Overlap of a conductive foil over the top of a metal crown cap,        or metal bottle

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a smart metal, glass,paper-based, wooden, or plastic packaging for beverage comprising atleast one sensory perceptible output, wherein a glass, paper-based,wooden, or plastic structural component of the smart packaging may forman electrically non-conductive layer of the at least one sensoryperceptible output.

A glass or plastic structural component of the smart packaging may befor example the glass body or neck of glass bottles, or the plastic bodyor neck of plastic bottles, or plastic lids, or the paper/cardboard ofsecondary packaging, or the wood of a spirits or wine barrel.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a glass, paper-based, wooden,or plastic structural component of the smart packaging may form anelectrically insulating component, or a protective encapsulating layer.

Further, a glass or plastic structural component of the smart packagingmay form a mechanically resonant component of an audio or haptic output.Piezo electric vibrating elements or electrostatic elements whichdeflect upon applying an electric field, magnetic elements such asmagnetic loud speaker components, vibration motors, etc may be used inorder to mechanically activate the mechanically resonant component.

In addition, a glass or plastic structural component of the smartpackaging may form an optically transparent component of a visualoutput.

In a particular embodiment, the glass or plastic of a beverage containeris illuminated by a light source in the container and acts as a lightguide, eg. a back light for a visual output, such as for example aliquid crystal display. The glass or plastic may also be patterned toact as a refractive or diffractive optical component to project ordistribute light inwards or outwards.

Furthermore, electrically non-conductive structural components of thepackaging may also form overlapping structures which may befunctionalized as explained further in the text, for functioning as twoconductive layers, or as active layer.

Examples of such non-conductive overlapping structures may be:

-   -   Overlap between polymer or glass bottle, and respectively screw        or crown lid    -   Folds and seams in paper cartons    -   Polymer sealing layer currently present inside of a metallic        bottle tops (both crown and screw top)    -   Overlap between polymer layers in “bottle in bottle” beverage        containers

In accordance with the present invention, structural components otherthan metal, glass, paper-based, wooden, or plastic components may bestructural coatings. For example, a hot end coating of a glass bottlecontains metal oxides may serve as semi-conducting layer.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a smart metal, glass,paper-based, wooden, or plastic packaging for beverage comprising atleast one sensory perceptible output, wherein a structural component ofthe smart packaging may be functionalized to form an active layer of theat least one sensory perceptible output.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, one or moreof the structural components of the smart packaging may compriseadditives functionalizing the structural component(s) for being used asa component of at least one sensory perceptible output.

Additives may comprise electro-optical materials, such aselectroluminescent materials, organic light emitting materials (e.g.OLED), electrochromic materials, electrophoretic materials, or liquidcrystal materials, functionalizing a structural component for being usedas an active layer of a visual output.

As a visual output, also metal, glass, plastic or paper-based,wood-based materials having additives such as fluorescent materials orthermochroic materials may be used.

Additives may also comprise electro-mechanical materials such aspiezo-electric materials, electrostatic materials, or magneticmaterials, for functionalizing an structural component for being used asan active layer of an audio output, or haptic output.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, one or moreof the structural components of the smart packaging may compriseadditives functionalizing an electrically non-conductive structuralcomponent for being used as an electrically conductive layer of at leastone sensory perceptible output.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, one or moreof the structural components of the smart packaging may be geometricallyfunctionalized for being used as a component of at least one sensoryperceptible output. The structural component may be pushed, stamped, orfolded, and/or may overlap other structural components for gainingmechanically resonant properties, or create resonant systems orelectrically connective structures.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a method formanufacturing a smart packaging for a beverage is provided comprisingthe steps of manufacturing a packaging for a beverage and constitutingat least one sensory perceptible output on or in the packaging, whereina structural component of the packaging is taken for constituting acomponent of the at least one sensory perceptible output.

In method of the present invention, the component constituted from astructural component of the packaging may be any component of the atleast one sensory perceptible output, such as active layer, anelectrically conductive layer (e.g. an electrode), an insulating layer,and encapsulating layer, etc.

The remaining parts of the at least one sensory perceptible output, i.e.parts other than the component constituted from the structural componentof the packaging or part of it, may be added to the smart packaging byany available technique. Any printing, deposition, or shaping techniquemay be used including amongst others screen printing, flexography,gravure printing, offset printing, ink jet printing, xerography,lithography, evaporation, sputtering etching, coating, chemical vapourdeposition, embossing, stamping, laser patterning, mould patterning,electroplating, anodizing, dip coating, spin coating, gluing, blowmoulding of polymers inside beverage containers, etc.

The remaining parts of the at least one sensory perceptible output, mayalso be constituted from a component of the packaging other than astructural component, such as decoration layers, varnishes, lacquers,etc. In such case, besides the fact that the manufacturing of thepackaging and constituting the at least one sensory perceptible outputuse a common structural component, additional process steps may beshared for constituting the remaining parts, for example printing adecoration layer which is also an electrically conductive layer of anoutput, or spraying a coating which is also an electrically insulatinglayer of an output.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a method maybe provided comprising the step of functionalizing the structuralcomponent for being used as a component of at least one sensoryperceptible output. Such step of functionalizing the structuralcomponent of the packaging may be performed in the process ofconstituting the at least one sensory perceptible output after providingthe packaging, or may be performed in the process of manufacturing thepackaging.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the step offunctionalizing the structural component for being used as a componentof at least one sensory perceptible output comprises adding additivesaltering the chemical and/or physical properties of the structuralcomponent.

The additives may be added to the raw materials during the raw materialproduction process, for example the additives may be added to glass,plastic or metal before solidifying, or to paper-based pulp. Suchadditives may be micro-encapsulated for enhancing its functionality.

Additives may also be embedded in the raw materials by rolling orembossing, or bound to the surface by chemical reaction.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, metal, glass,plastic, or paper-based structural components of a packaging forbeverage may comprise additives functionalizing the structural componentfor being used as an active layer of at least one sensory perceptibleoutput.

In still another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, amethod may be provided comprising the step of geometricallyfunctionalizing the structural component for being used as a componentof at least one sensory perceptible output by exposing the structuralcomponent to a shaping step, such as punching, stamping, folding etc.during manufacturing of the packaging. Such process step may give astructural component mechanically resonant properties, or createresonant systems or electrically connective structures.

In still another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, amethod may be provided comprising the step of functionalizing thestructural component for being used as a component of at least onesensory perceptible output by exposing the structural component to heat,such as for example baking or curing, or to annealing, laserirradiation, etc. In addition, the structural component may be directlyapplied at higher temperature than conventionally done (particularly inthe case of glass or metal containers) in order to functionalize it.

Further, if required, a method may comprise the step of providing apower sources or energy harvesting elements for powering the at leastone sensory perceptible output. These power sources or energy harvestingelements may be discrete electronic elements mounted in/on the smartpackaging, or preferably they may be at least partially printable.

A sensor or a plurality of sensors, and/or a communication means and/ora processing unit, or any other type of supporting electronic component,and, if required, a separate power supply for powering these electroniccomponents may be established by adding discrete components to the smartpackaging, or preferably by at least partially printing them onto thesmart packaging.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention seek to provide asmart packaging enabling amongst other the following applications:

A smart packaging in accordance with the present invention may besuitable for being applied amongst others in the following examples, inparticular beer related, each illustrating that the present inventionbecomes increasingly relevant by the relentless and fast pace at whichdigital technologies integrate consumers' lives:

-   -   The smart packaging may display an active label providing        interaction to get feedback on what consumers like and don't        like.    -   The smart packaging may display a dish suggested to pair with        beer based on the menu provided in the restaurant, or suggest a        recipe based on the food inventory in the refrigerator.    -   The decoration, graphics or message displayed may change based        on location and environment.    -   The smart packaging contains sensors to measure the status of        the beer and displays the status in order to give consumer the        choice to enjoy the beverage the way they would like: optimal        light struck, optimal carbonation, optimal bitterness.    -   The smart packaging may amplify the user experience wherein the        display or active label, speakers, or haptic elements could be        reacting to the environment, to music, to wave movement, sunset,        breeze sounds, beach color, etc.    -   The smart packaging may connect to your smartphone and display a        picture, or drives your phone to take and display a selfie when        you interact with your package in your hand, or may take picture        via a camera on the packaging and capture event action.    -   The smart packaging may generate brand specific sound on        opening, for example via a speaker hidden in a crown    -   The display may act as a second screen to show additional        content during a virtual or video, or broadcast experience.        Examples could be twitter feed, display a different camera        angle, instant replays, mvp speaches, custom commentary, etc.    -   Via the visual, audio, or haptic output(s), the smart packaging        allows to customize your beer digitally so your friends know        it's yours.    -   The smart packaging may contain specially designed microphones        and a processing unit to register and react by visual, audio,        haptic output to ultrasonic pitches, inaudible to the human ear,        which are embedded in television and/or radio commercials.    -   The smart packaging may flash and light up when the same brand's        advertisement is being broadcast, or an ultrasonic code may        trigger the display.    -   The smart packaging generates a visual, audio, or haptic output        when something happens in an event I'm interested in, for        example a goal scored of my favorite team.    -   Any type of sensory perceptible output may communicate “cold” in        a perceived way when the liquid inside reached the appropriate        drinking temperature.    -   A visual, audio, or haptic output may communicate an incoming        message on your phone (.cfr a smart watch)    -   Any type of sensory perceptible output may communicate a profile        match in a dating event.    -   At least one sensory perceptible output may communicate your        taxi has arrived.    -   The smart packaging may have a visual output triggered to emit        light making the ice in an ice bucket appear to glow, or to emit        UV-light making fluorescent objects in the environment to emit        light.    -   Via vibrations the smart packaging may create optical effects in        the beer, which may be emphasized by the application of light.        In particular, effects created might include the following:        creating ripples on the surface of the liquid, stimulating        bubbles in the beer in specific areas and/or at specific times,        creating or recreating foam on the beer etc. The effect may be        adapted as the level of beer in the bottle changes.

Example 1 (Illustrated by FIG. 1)

A display is constituted on a metal beverage (1) can wherein thealuminum body of a beverage can forms the ‘bottom’ electrode, which isconnected to GND on the driver circuit. The segments illustrated areindividual long thin segments running from top to bottom of the can.However, they could in principle be any arbitrary shape. The segmentscomprise an active layer, top electrode conductive layer, insulatinglayers as required, and a top encapsulation layer.

Therefore:

-   -   Insulating layer areas (not shown) may be printed onto the        aluminum (11), to create custom electrode shapes, or may be        provided by the spray coat epoxy applied in the process        immediately after fabrication of the can.    -   An active layer (12) is printed depending on what type of        sensory perceptible output to implement. Different areas of the        can may have different active layers, in order to put multiple        functions on one can.    -   Distinct, electrically separate top conductive layer segments        (13) are then printed. In the case of a display, this layer will        be transparent. This could be either Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), a        transparent organic conducting material, or other transparent        conductor.    -   Both the active layer and top level conductive layer may be        printed on using additional rollers on the offset printing        process, which already exists to apply paint to the outside of        the can.    -   in addition, electronic components may be attached, with        electrical connections to one or more conducting layer(s)        present. One of these conducting layers is the aluminum can body        itself, which acts as a circuit ground or power plane.    -   A protective encapsulation layer (14) is then printed as the top        conductive layer. This may be the same paint or lacquer as is        already used to paint and/or protect the can, as already        produced. Where light is required to be emitted, the top layer        should be a transparent lacquer. Paint may be used to create        shadow mask, as an additional optical effect.    -   Baking and curing of all the layers is performed in the existing        baking and curing process provided to manufacture the can.

In the case of a reflective display, the metal used as ground plane mayalso form the mirror of the reflective display.

Example 2 (Illustrated by FIG. 2)

A pixelated, light emitting display is integrated onto the outside of aglass bottle (2). This is realised by the deposition of row and columnelectrodes, either side of an active layer that is also deposited ontothe bottle.

Therefore:

-   -   The glass (21) is embossed, patterned or shaped in such a way as        to guide the light in a specific designed pattern, from a light        source or multiple light sources. For example, in the        conventional glass bottle manufacturing process, the molten        glass is formed into a bottle by blowing it into a mould. To        this mould additional patterns may be added in order to:        -   (i) Create geometries for active and conducting coating            layers to be deposited by printing        -   processes. e.g. ‘ridges’ and ‘peaks’ may pick up            ink/paint/coating, whereas troughs won't.        -   (ii) Create features in the bottle which effect light            guiding effects around the bottle        -   (iii) Create features in the bottle that enhance mechanical            resonant effects, or amplify sound from a speaker element.    -   Laser etch/decoration may be applied when hot or indeed cold, to        add additional embossed features to achieve features above.    -   Following forming, a ‘hot end coating’ is normally applied to a        bottle using spray coating and/or chemical vapour deposition.        The nature of the coating applied may be varied, such that the        coating is conducting to form the bottom electrode layer (22).        It may also be semi conducting and, by applying multiple        iterations of this process, used to form part of a set of thin        film transistors in the context of being an active matrix        display.    -   The active optical layer (23), comprising any of the        technologies described above is then printed.    -   A transparent top conducting layer (24) is then printed. This        could be either Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), a transparent organic        conducting material, or other transparent conductor.    -   The active layer and top level conductive layer may be printed        on using additional rollers on the offset printing process,        which already exists to apply paint to the outside of the can.    -   A protective encapsulation layer is then printed as the top        layer. This may be the same paint or lacquer as is already used        to paint and/or protect the can, as already produced. Where        light is required to be emitted, the top layer should be a        transparent lacquer. Paint may be used to create shadow mask, as        an additional optical effect.    -   Baking and curing of all the layers is performed in the existing        baking and curing process provided to manufacture the can.    -   The light sources are added to the packaging, either as printed        electroluminescent or OLED light sources, or as discrete        components such as conventional LEDs.

Example 3 (Illustrated by FIG. 3)

This example comprises a piezo-electric vibration element (31) attachedto the top section of an aluminum beverage can (3).

The aluminum of the can forms the bottom electrode (32) for the piezodevice. It also forms a mechanically resonant structure to amplify anddistribute the sound or vibration from the piezo device to the user. Thepiezo layer, other electrode, and encapsulation are formed by printingor otherwise depositing the layers onto the can lid.

The following existing manufacturing process steps may be used:

-   -   The lid is stamped/punched to form in the normal manufacturing        process. Features may be put into the stamp to control and        implement specific resonant functions of the metal. They may        also be used to create patterns into which the device layers may        be deposited.    -   Insulating layer (not shown) between aluminum can and active        layer is provided by the spray coat epoxy applied in the process        immediately after fabrication of the can.    -   The active layer (31) and top level conductive layer (33) are        printed on using additional rollers on the offset printing        process, which already exists to apply paint to the outside of        the can.    -   The top conductive layer may be added by the anodizing plating        process already present to plate a metallic layer onto the lid.    -   The encapsulation layer (not shown) is formed by the varnish        already provided in the manufacturing process.    -   Baking and curing of all the layers is performed in the existing        baking and curing process provided to manufacture the can.

Example 4 (Illustrated by FIG. 4)

This example is based upon a secondary packaging made from fibre boardcoated with a metallised film and laminated polymer layer.

In existing packaging applications, such secondary packaging typicallycomprises a stack up from inside to outside as follows:

-   -   Fibre board layer as a sheet.    -   Metallised layer, either deposited by metallised paint or by a        sheet of foil laminate    -   Transparent polymer layer, as a sheet, laminated upon the        metallised layer    -   Printed paint layer    -   Varnish

This type of packaging material is already widely used to make packagingwith a high quality visual appearance whereby the fibre board addsmechanical structure and durability, the metallised layer is used notonly to create a shiny visual appearance but also for enhancing waterresistance and rigidity, and the laminated polymer layer gives a smoothfinish and water resistance.

Constituting a display on this packaging may be done as follows:

-   -   Fibre board layer is unchanged.    -   The metallized layer (41) is a conducting layer and is used as        the bottom electrode for the display (45), and also as a mirror        layer for a reflective display.    -   The transparent polymer layer (42) is functionalized by the        addition of material to the polymer when it is molten, before it        is formed into the sheet which is laminated into the package.        The functionalization makes the sheet electro-optically active,        such that it emits light (e.g. electroluminescent) or modulates        existing light when appropriate field is applied.    -   The top level conductive layer (43) may be printed on using        additional rollers or print stages on the offset printing        process, which already exists to apply paint to the outside of        the can. A transparent conducting material shall be used in the        case of a display.    -   The encapsulation layer (44) is formed by the varnish already        provided in the manufacturing process.    -   Baking and curing of all the layers is performed in the existing        baking and curing process provided already for the coatings on        the package.

1. An smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic packagingfor beverage comprising at least one sensory perceptible output beingany type of device integrated in the packaging enabling a user orconsumer to sense any sensory perceptible status change of the packagingor the beverage, characterized in that a structural component of thepackaging forms a component of the at least one sensory perceptibleoutput, said structural component being a component or material layeroffering a contribution to enable the packaging to contain a beverage orto be transported.
 2. A smart packaging for beverage according to claim1, wherein said structural component of the packaging is a metalstructural component forming an electrically conductive layer of the atleast one sensory perceptible output.
 3. A smart packaging for beverageaccording to claims 2, wherein the metal structural component may be ametal layer of a beverage bottle or can, or the aluminum of a beveragebottle or can, in particular the aluminum of the lid, the tab, the bodyof a beverage can, or a combination thereof, or a metal layer ofbeverage keg or any other type of metal beverage container, or whereinthe metal structural component is a component of a paper-based,wood-based or plastic-based smart packaging.
 4. A smart packaging forbeverage according to claim 1, wherein a glass, wood-based, paper-based,or plastic structural component of the smart packaging may form anelectrically non-conductive layer of the at least one sensoryperceptible output.
 5. A smart packaging for beverage according to claim4, wherein the glass or plastic structural component of the smartpackaging is the glass body or neck of glass bottles, or the plasticbody or neck of plastic bottles, or plastic lids, or the plastic orpaper/cardboard of secondary packaging.
 6. A smart packaging forbeverage according to claim 1, wherein the sensory perceptible output isan audio or haptic output, and wherein said structural component of thepackaging is a metal, glass, plastic, or wooden structural componentforming a mechanically resonant component of the audio or haptic output.7. A smart packaging for beverage according to claim 1, wherein metal,glass, plastic, or paper-based, wood-based structural component of thesmart packaging comprises additives functionalizing the structuralcomponent for being used as an active layer of at least one sensoryperceptible output, or functionalizing an electrically non-conductivestructural component for being used as an electrically conductive layerof at least one sensory perceptible output.
 8. A method formanufacturing a smart packaging for a beverage comprising the steps ofmanufacturing a packaging for a beverage and constituting at least onesensory perceptible output on or in the packaging, said sensoryperceptible output being any type of device integrated in the packagingenabling a user or consumer to sense any sensory perceptible statuschange of the packaging or the beverage, wherein a structural componentof the packaging is taken for constituting a component of the at leastone sensory perceptible output, said structural component being acomponent or material layer offering a contribution to enable thepackaging to contain a beverage or to be transported.
 9. A methodaccording to claim 8, wherein the manufacturing of the packaging andconstituting the at least one sensory perceptible output share at leastone additional process step for constituting the remaining parts of thesensory perceptible output, said remaining parts being parts other thanthe component constituted from the structural component of the packagingor part of it.
 10. A method according to claim 8, comprising a step offunctionalizing the structural component of the packaging for being usedas a component of the at least one sensory perceptible output.
 11. Amethod according to claim 10, wherein the step of functionalizing thestructural component of the packaging may be performed in the process ofmanufacturing the packaging.
 12. A method according to claim 10 or 11,wherein the step of functionalizing the structural component of thepackaging for being used as a component of the at least one sensoryperceptible output comprises adding additives to the structuralcomponent.
 13. A method according to claim 10 or 11, comprising the stepof geometrically functionalizing the structural component for being usedas a component of at least one sensory perceptible output.
 14. A methodaccording to claim 8, comprising the step of adding a power source orenergy harvesting element for powering the at least one sensoryperceptible output by at least partially printing it onto the smartpackaging.
 15. A method according to claim 8, comprising the step ofadding a sensor and/or a communication means and/or a processing unit byat least partially printing it onto the smart packaging.